Contact: Joe Pagetta
(615) 259-9325 Ext. 211/ jpagetta@wnpt.net

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – September 11, 2008 – Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) will host the World Premiere of BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS -- the coming-of-age story of 20th century icon and evangelist Billy Graham – on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. at the Regal Green Hills Cinemas in Nashville. The premiere will give Nashville filmgoers a chance to see the film before its national theatrical release on October 10.

The World Premiere, co-presented by NaFF with the Gospel Music Association Foundation, Regal Entertainment Group, 821 Entertainment Group and Solex Productions, is scheduled to include a Red Carpet arrival at 6:00 p.m. with the film’s stars Armie Hammer (Billy), Stefanie Butler (Ruth Bell Graham), Kristoffer Polaha (young Charles Templeton) and platinum-selling country sensation and actor Josh Turner,  who brings his rich baritone to the role of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member and longtime Graham musical partner, George Beverly Shea.  Scheduled to join them will be the film’s director Robby Benson (Ode To Billy Joe, Ice Castles, The Greatest Story Ever Told and the voice of the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), country superstar Sara Evans, who’s song “Low” is the first single from the BILLY: THE EARLY YEARS soundtrack, film executive producer and soundtrack album producer Anastasia Brown (August Rush) and more. The Red Carpet arrival will take place in the lower lobby of the Regal Green Hills Cinemas and be followed by introductions and the screening of the film at 6:45 p.m. in two theaters.

Following the screening and Q&A with the film’s stars and producer Larry Mortorff, filmgoers are invited to join the film’s stars and VIPs for beverages, late-night snacks and music at F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar around the corner from the theatre on Crestmoor Rd.

Tickets are available in a film-only option for $15 or as a film/event combo (includes F. Scott’s reception and copy of the novelization of the film) for $40.  Filmgoers wishing to get the star treatment and further support NaFF and the GMA Foundation can choose the Patron Couple Ticket for $1,000, which includes admission for two with Red Carpet Arrival, VIP reserved seating at the premiere screening, a VIP photo-op, recognition as a patron at the premiere and admission for two to the F Scott’s reception.  $500 of the proceeds from the Patron Couple Ticket, $920 of which is tax-deductible as a non-profit contribution, will go to support the GMA Foundation.  All ticket options go on sale at nashvillefilmfestival.org at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 17.

Billy: The Early Years, filmed in and around Nashville in the spring of 2008 with a 90% Tennessee crew, captures the true essence of Graham’s life journey from an earnest young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, to ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history's most influential evangelists. Starting out with the tranquility of the Graham dairy farm in North Carolina, Billy: The Early Years depicts the look and feel of the Depression era as we accompany Graham to the tent revival where he finally heeds the altar call, and follows him through the struggle of doubt and resolution of the next decade of his life.

Written by William Paul McKay and Jana Lyn Rutledge, the film paints a vivid portrait of Graham against the backdrop of his relationship with the evangelical star of the 1940’s, Charles Templeton, a gifted young preacher whose faith would not withstand the onslaught of scientific skepticism. Templeton and Graham eventually part ways, and in the film, Templeton comes to personify the rising tide of disbelief into which Graham launches his crusade and changes the face of modern evangelism.

Graham is portrayed in the film by rising young star Hammer (Veronica Mars, Flicka), who it was recently announced will play Batman/Bruce Wayne in the new film, Justice League: Mortal. Directed by veteran actor/director and Golden Globe nominee Benson, Billy: The Early Years’ cast includes Oscar-winner Martin Landau (Mission: Impossible, Ed Wood) and Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman); as well as Butler (CSI: NY), daughter of ex-Atlanta Brave Brett Butler; Polaha (North Shore) and Turner (“Long Black Train”).

In addition to serving as the film’s music supervisor and executive producer, Anastasia Brown also produced the film’s soundtrack album for Sony BMG.  Grammy Award winner Tony Brown and John Carter Cash, son of the late John and June Carter Cash, are among the song producers.  The film was produced by Mortorff (“PINOCCHIO”; “ANDRE”; “THE OMEGA CODE”), McKay (“AGAINST ALL ODDS: IN SEARCH OF A MIRACLE”) and video and commercials producer and director Martin Shiel of UK-based Solex Productions.

For additional information, visit www.billytheearlyyears.com.

The 2009 Nashville Film Festival, celebrating its 40th anniversary, takes place April 16-23, 2009.

About Nashville Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and receives funding from The H. Franklin Brooks Philanthropic Fund, William N. Rollins Fund for the Arts of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Frist Foundation, The Memorial Foundation, Nashville Metro Arts Commission, National Endowment for the Arts, Ragsdale Family Foundation, Target Stores, Tennessee Arts Commission, and its generous patrons and sponsors.

About the GMA and the GMA Foundation
Founded in 1964, GMA serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of 4,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week, and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.  The GMA Foundation is a sister organization of the GMA and operates the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame which recognizes and preserves the history and legacy of all forms of gospel music and provides educational resources that encourage participation and appreciation by the general public.

PURCHASE TICKETS